Unnecessary Use of Force

On Thursday, April 7, 2016, Alyssa Rangel published a commentary titled “Texas Officer Appears to Body-Slam Middle School Girl in Shocking Viral Video." Rangel recounts the story of Officer Joshua Kehm video tapped slamming a 12 year old girl into concrete pavement. After stating all of the known facts of this case, I commend Rangel for expressing her opinion while remaining mutual between both parties.

During the commentary, Rangel discusses the situation and how it was handled by Officer Joshua Kehm. She recognizes that the whole truth may not be in the released film but wonders if there was an alternative route of action. Although I agree with her, I share a different view. Of course, there are numerous ways for a seasoned male officer to restrain a pre-teenage girl. I don’t understand the UNNECESSARY use of force. After communicating with Officer Jermaine Kenneth with the Austin Police Department, I was told that officers are trained in various ways to diffuse an altercation while using little to minimum force. It is very common for middle school aged girls to get into verbal altercations and there are many ways to handle them without force. If I got body slammed for every time I disagreed with someone in Middle School, I may not be alive today.

I agree with Alyssa Rangel that all facts may not be out in this case but it bothers me to see things like this.

Mass or Missed?

Previously, I covered the topic of mass incarcerations but today, I will introduce my own opinion. Many have begged for reform in the Texas Judicial System, mostly focusing on the higher imprisonment rate. Although we are only in the fourth month of 2016, Texas has performed 6 out of the 11 executionsin the US. The most recent occurring yesterday, April 7, 2016, after PabloVasquez was trialed and convicted of murder and sentenced to death.

Although, Texas is ranked 36^th in the most violent state poll, I’m confused as to why our incarceration numbers contradict with being ranked in the top 10. Are the officers in Texas doing a much better job than other states with catching criminals? Are criminals in Texas being sent to jail for the same crimes that other states are letting off with probation? Are the defense attorney’s in Texas not as strong as the other states? These are the questions that come to mind when you take a look at our statistics.

I’m not sure what the problem may be but I do believe the numbers are too far left for government to not take a second look. These are problems that need to be addressed but without the knowledge, we will not be able to do anything.